Thursday, October 22, 2009

MCM: UPSCALE HAND AND TRAVEL BAGS Spring/Summer 2010

THE NEW YORK AND CORE COLLECTIONS

Words, Images Judith Ecochard

MCM is a collection of luxury haulers that first came on the USA radar of fabulousness with their logo travel related accessories.

We became really big fans of this brand when we went to Premiuim Berlin this past summer ----and were literally stopped in our tracks by the well done, really, blingy glam of the Michael Michlasky Collection for MCM.

Wow…for peeps like us that don’t wear a lot of jewelry…this was it. WANT.

The stateside launch of MCM’s Spring Summer 2010 collection, including the New York Collection (debuted at Saks and MCM boutique at the Plaza Hotel)--- plus new bags from the refreshed Core Collection, was held at the leafy lush rooftop of the Gramercy Hotel in NYC.

On display were bags “that effortlessly combines the heritage of the MCM brand with modern silhouettes and distinctive details.”

We loved the oversized,plush leather hobos that are well made and big enough to carry our life around in. Functional and filled with the things we expect from a chic brand---leather linings, quality hardware and zippers, impeccable construction.

In the ANNODARE (knot in Italian) ---lightweight lambskin and bold silver chain and oval ring hardware are perfect foils for the very cool tie-die print. We expect to see this in a lot of print rags in a couple of months…as the black/white/gray tones look good on glossy reads. But hey, the cross body hobos, and totes are so unique---we think retail wise, they will do well too.

Another key grouping, the NOTTE uses pale gold hardware that looks genius against bright colored leathers (black, cuoio, metallic gold, metallic python gold, and grey). New for Spring are the modern circular handle of the fashion tote---offered in “grainy lambskin with a glittery metallic finish or opulent textured leather.”

Our top pick belongs to SPORTIVO how appropriate).

A white Bowler with grey embossed trim---other contrasting versions available too---are size perfect and while oversized, not too much of a hauler to cause too many bump ups on mass transit.

Adorable, IMHO---the ALDA classic round shaped shoulder bags.

We got there late in the day…so we got some feedback as to what else was popular. The Karung watersnake bags ---the PARADISE collection----hand crafted in Milan ---got the editorial nod.

Amazingly produced via a new technique, (exclusive too) the bag’s panels are actually joined without stitching. Special eyelet and whip stitching on other parts give visually interest.

Guys will be happy with what’s called the “Semi Fashion Visetos Men’s" …a handsome line up of weekenders / gym bags and briefcases---accented by croco embossed trim and sporting the retro colored stripes.

COOL DETAIL: Each metal lock on the aforementioned is uniquely stamped with a number.